Police probe fatal shooting amid weekend of violence

Teen charged with murder of 46-year-old amid surge of violence around country.

Forensics staff examine the site in Maketu where the 46-year-old man was found dead. Photo / APN

One man is dead, another missing and a third was fighting for his life in hospital last night after a spate of violent incidents around the country.

Police investigations into the three incidents are ongoing, with two men due to appear in court and a murder charge likely in the third case.

Maketu resident Isaac Dale Bushell, 46, was found dead in a park just after 2am yesterday. Police believe he had been shot at least twice, but are still awaiting results of a post-mortem examination.

A 19-year-old man known to Mr Bushell has been charged with murder and is scheduled to appear in the Tauranga District Court today.

A 21-year-old man will also appear in court today after a violent assault in Papakura, South Auckland, on Saturday night. Police were called to a Rollerson St address about 8pm after reports of people fighting outside a house party using knives, sticks and rocks as weapons.

A 30-year-old man was found lying unconscious near the house. It appeared he had been stabbed in the head. He was rushed to hospital with severe head injuries and underwent emergency surgery. Police now believe he was hit over the head with a heavy object.

After speaking to people at the scene, officers charged the 21-year-old with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is in police custody awaiting his appearance in the Papakura District Court this morning.

Police and forensic experts were searching a property in Linton believed to be connected with the disappearance of Whetu Teaola Hansen, 48, who has been missing since November 24.

Police would not say what they believed had happened to Mr Hansen but were concerned for his safety, for "unexplained reasons".

Police in Tauranga were also kept busy after an alleged aggravated burglary and kidnap about 3am yesterday.

A 38-year-old Tokoroa man was later arrested in a vehicle in Te Puke and charged with kidnap, aggravated burglary, assault with intent to injure, breach of a protection order, wilful damage and driving while disqualified.

Spotlight on violence

Linton: Police investigating the disappearance of Whetu Hansen call in forensic experts to search a house he was known to visit.

Papakura: 21-year-old charged over serious assault on a 30-year-old man during a fight at a party on Saturday.

Maketu: 19-year-old charged with murdering a 46-year-old local man. Police say it's likely the man died of gunshot wounds.